Jul.

15

Cape Town City Guide

If you have to fly 17 hours, then you want to land in a gorgeous city like CAPE TOWN because it’s sophisticated, super-friendly and clearly on the rise as a must-visit destination. When asked to describe Cape Town, I always say it’s the city you’d get if San Francisco married Malibu. A really pretty town with moody weather. Cape Town’s seasons are opposite ours, so when its winter here, it’s a balmy 75 degrees and summer there.

For fashionistas, I suggest shopping at the V & A Waterfront for everything from Gerard Darel to Louis Vuitton and the arts + crafts shop Africa Nova for gifts to take home. Design enthusiasts will enjoy interior design shop T & Co and great art at Everard Read and Michael Stevenson.

MUSEUMS + ACTIVITIES:

Cape Peninsula Drive
Arrange a drive down the peninsula to the Cape of Good Hope through your hotel’s concierge. Be sure to stop in Simon’s Town to see the penguins at Boulder’s Beach.

Cape Town BeachesThe beaches are beautiful and my favorite is Camps Bay, but Clifton #4 is wonderful for the scene and if you want to see the famous colorful huts, then visit the beach at Mulzenberg on the way to Cape Point.

To see a great example of Cape Dutch architecture, a visit to this wine estate is a must. You can sample wines, tour the museum and the estate’s interiors. If you have time, have a Cape Malay lunch on the grounds at the vineyard restaurant.

Grootbos Nature Reserve

For a unique day trip, just two hours from the city, this reserve on the garden route driving to Hermanus has stunning sea views, flora and fauna, and wildlife. Try horseback riding on the beach, swimming with sharks or take a floral safari.

A World Heritage site famous because Nelson Mandela was imprisoned there for 26 years. The tour was changed quite a bit for the World Cup (and I don’t think for the better), but you still get to walk in the footsteps of Mr. Mandela with guides that were once prisoners on the island.

Signal Hill
If you can, drive to the top of this hill for great views of Cape Town.

Probably the most iconic landmark in Cape Town, glimpses of Table Mountain from the airplane as you are landing in the city never gets old. If you’re adventurous, take the cable car or hike the trails to the top for spectacular views of the city.

An hour’s drive from the city, Stellenbosch has gorgeous wine estates where you can taste fantastic wines. There are some pretty incredible award-winning restaurants like Jordan, Terrior, Overture, and Rust en Vrede as well.

RESTAURANTS:This list is not definitive, just current favorites based on recent trips to Cape Town.

La Colombe serves a classic French menu with twists of Asian and South African elements. Request a table outside on the veranda for a romantic evening, but it’s also great for lunch with friends. In Constantia.

A hot spot on the waterfront known for its Japanese dishes and some say the best sushi in Cape Town.

HOTELS:
In the U.S., you should start planning a trip to Cape Town at least six to nine months before you visit because flights and hotel rooms book up really fast and you want to secure the best deals.

On two private islands near the waterfront, the beautiful One & Only Resort is the most expensive in Cape Town, but they regularly offer great deals and the resort has everything you need for a memorable stay. At V & A Waterfront.